Update on Eligibility for the ECRG26 Grant – Education-Focused Staff Members

It has been confirmed that Education-Focused staff members are eligible to apply for ECRG26 grants.

The 2026 guidelines do not exclude Education Focused staff from applying and holding a grant – there’s still a drop down in the Application Form for them to identify this as their work status (e.g. Teaching & Research / Research Only / Teaching Specialist). The eligibility criterion does not set what category of academics can apply, but signals the conditions expected for the ECR to make effective use of the research opportunity.

This topic will also be covered in the ECRG26 webinar on Monday 17 February, register here .

The University of Melbourne’s Early Career Researcher (ECR) Grants scheme aims to support early career researchers (ECRs) to undertake high-quality research projects that strengthen their track record and build capability and competitiveness for future research funding applications. This scheme is a core part of the University’s research development strategy under Advancing Melbourne 2030 and Advancing Research 2030, which place a high priority on supporting researchers at the pivotal early career stage.

ECRs please note that the Faculty of Education has its own EOI process. Once shortlisted then a full application can be submitted. Please submit your draft application form (PDF copy generated in SmartyGrants) for review to foe-research@unimelb.edu.au by 20 February 2025.

For more information, including links to the Guidelines, FAQs, information webinar and SmartyGrants application form please visit the scheme website.